[Abnormal increase in CD8(low) T lymphocyte in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning]

To analyze the changes in CD8(low) T lymphocyte subsets in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning.Flow cytometric analysis was used to count the numbers of CD8+ cells. 23 patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning and 20 controls were examined.Compared with control group (8.21% ± 3.02%), the CD8(low) T lymphocyte (12.98% ± 5.62%) were significantly increased in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning.Although the ratio of CD+ T lymphocyte is normal, the CD8 level is significantly decreased. The increase of CD8(low) T lymphocyte may be an important phenomenon of immuno-injury induced by lead. CD8(low) T lymphocyte could be an new direction for research of lead immuno-toxicity.